To vote or not to vote will be on the minds of many Americans this November. The nominees of both major political parties are a bit shocking and not what has been the “normal” for decades. For someone who has voted in presidential elections for over 50 years, the decision to cast a vote this year will be both a quandary and a challenge. One candidate is very rich and one was “dead broke” when she and her husband left the White House. And now she is apparently involved in a “pay and play” scheme as Secretary of State. The last Secretary of State who was elected was James Buchannan. Not the greatest of presidents in the American pantheon of presidents.
Hillary Clinton has finagled her way through the morass of the Democratic Party. From Arkansas to the White House to the United States Senate, she has built a political machine and throng of liberal supporters. From purchasing a mansion in upstate New York—just to qualify for a Senate seat—to making a deal with her arch political rival, her sole objective has been get to the White House. No matter that she has been subsidized by the American public while engaging in several nefarious scandals that extend into her presidential campaign.
The most prominent scandals are the email saga and the Clinton Foundation’s international misdeeds. There one really has to pay to play. This is the background and record of the Democratic nominee whose coronation took place in Philadelphia.
Then there is the Republican Party nominee. Donald Trump is in no way the typical presidential candidate of a major political party.
Never a politician, Trump has tapped into the swath of angst and frustration found in the American electorate. The width and depth of this component may well decide the result of this election.
Trump is brash, bombastic, and highly opinioned. Perhaps more opinioned than informed. His views scare some Americans and inspire others. Generally, those who feel inspired, have in the past felt overlooked, let down, and not capable of finding a job in the 21st-century economy. And they totally abhor the federal government, the bureaucracy, and the gridlock we have all witnessed in our nation’s Capitol.
Many Americans of both parties feel that gridlock has harmed the United States for years now. Trump is seizing this emotion and hoping to make his way to the White House. Upon entering the political fray, Trump has been tough, and perhaps has evolved into an even tougher brawler who is always striving to win. He and his opponent are very much alike in this way.
Trump may not have the ground game and, at this point, Clinton has spent a projected $70 million on paid TV advertising for September and October. Trump may be the most controversial and intriguing candidate in modern American history. Clinton may be the most dishonest and conniving candidate for the highest position in the land. The election this year will be a real duel to the end.
Each day seems to produce new revelation that may prove damning to one of the candidates.
Voting for the best candidate for president this year may well be a leap of faith. Recent revelations have caused more dilemmas for Clinton. Clinton hopes these too shall pass. There will probably be no special prosecutors before the election. Americans will have to make their own decisions as to the lesser of two dubious candidates. As for me, I am confused and undecided.
Perhaps for the first time, the vast majority of American voters are waiting and watching. The three presidential debates may be a decisive factor in making our national collective decision.
To quote the late, great Yogi Berra, “It ain’t over till it’s over.”
Joe Lill says
Fletcher,
You say you’re confused and undecided, but what do the polls of the rest of American voters say?
kathi donegan says
Fletcher, I was waiting to see how you would handle Mr. Trump’s candidacy. And you never disappoint. The brush you use on Mrs. Clinton is not a surprise, though to call her a ‘shocking’ choice just speaks to your age and upbringing. But, to say Trump is an intriguing choice, well, I just hope that choice of words doesn’t come back on you.
Dennis Leventhal says
It behooves us to remember that while we are all entitled to our own opinions, we are not entitled to our OWN facts. I doubt if Ann Coulter is a reliable source for FACTS about Hillary Clinton. I’ve followed Sec’y Clinton’s public career closely and believe she is eminently qualified to be our President. And, while a registered Republican, I cannot support a geo-political ignoramus who is also a racist hate-monger. Let’s not re-do 1930’s and 40’s Germany.
Beryl Smith says
Once again distorted information culled from some of the most notorious of the fact distorters. Who benefitted by the access to Clinton as Sec’y of State? Look at the facts before going on a rampage about honesty. If–and I say if the foundation was enlarged by contributions by all the many mega-bucks it was the poor and underserved whose health and welfare has been benefitted–not the Clinton family. Look at the facts of who gained what kind of access–not Bono, not Brad, not anyone who shouldn’t have met with Clinton in her capacity at State. And, speaking of honesty–are you whitewashing Trump who in addition to being an ignoramus has lied and cheated his way through life. Brush up on your facts Fletcher before you make your decision!!!
Gren Whitman says
It is “false equivalence” to suggest that Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump—simply because each is the candidate of a major political party—are blessed with equal skills and experience, that their positions, statements, and conduct are equal in import, that they should be considered with equal weight and gravity, and the media’s reporting and opinionating on their respective campaigns must be neatly proportional.
Nonsense!
Ms. Clinton is a serious, experienced public official and politician with a 50-year track record of significant, positive, difficult accomplishments. Conversely, Mr. Trump is or—based on his as-yet-unreleased income tax returns—perhaps is not a successful business entrepreneur, but for certain he’s demonstrably a liar, clown, boor, bully, racist, jingoist impostor with no political track record and nothing to offer Americans other than his fantasies and his falsehoods.
There is no “equivalence” between them!
Marty Stetson says
I would like to suggest those who are undecided or concerned about who to vote for to consider Gary Johnson of the Libertarian Party. I do not know very much abut him ( mostly what I have read on line ) but I know enough about the two candidates of the two major parties to know that I can not vote for either one of them.
Joe Diamond says
Fletcher,
Go back to your room and remove all adjectives from your composition. Then underline every statement you have made. List your sources…three for each statement.
Then relate each of your paragraphs to your title…to vote or not to vote.
You are working your way up from a C- composition…………..in junior high school.
Or do you realize that your opinions are unsupported? I (we) expected analysis. An op-ed piece presents ideas…..got it? Go back to your room!
Joe